Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Care is a foundational qualification designed for students who have little or no prior experience or qualifications in spiritual care. Students complete six core units suitable for those working in the field of spiritual care or seeking to enter the field. Units explicitly link theory and practice so that students engage with real world workplace issues and continually address the challenges of working in contemporary spiritual care contexts. The program attains Level 1 in the Spiritual Health Association and Spiritual Care Australia Capability Frameworks.
Course learning outcomes
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Care are able to:
- Articulate and evaluate the required foundations and capabilities for the provision of professional spiritual care in both secular and religious contexts.
- Evaluate the values of equity, diversity, and dignity of all persons in relation to spiritual care.
- Demonstrate initial competence and practical awareness of self-care, self-regulation, critical self-reflection and accountability as they relate to spiritual care.
- Participate in elements of continuing education, supervision, and evidence-based research as foundations of professional practice for spiritual care practitioners.
- Develop competence in the key skills required for spiritual care practitioners to work within diverse contexts.
Course structure
The Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Care consists of 72 points.
| Course Structure | Unit Type | Points |
|---|---|---|
| SC8001Z Spirituality and Spiritual Care | Core | 12 |
| SC8002Z Spiritual Care in Practice | Core | 12 |
| SC8003Z Trauma-informed Spiritual Care | Core | 12 |
| SC8004Z Grief, Loss, Dying and Death | Core | 12 |
| SC8005Z Self-care and Rituals | Core | 12 |
| SC8006Z Ethical Spiritual Care | Core | 12 |
Locations and modes
Uniting Church in AustraliaBrooklyn Park SAClassroom, Mixed and Online modes
Duration
The Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Care may only be taken part-time for admissions in 2026.
| Minimum duration | 6 months |
| Maximum part-time | 2 years |
Graduate pathways
- Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care
- Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Admission criteria
An undergraduate degree or 5 years relevant work experience.
Probationary admission is not available.
Credit
Credit of up to 36 points may be granted towards this award.
Credit is granted in accordance with the Credit Policy.
Fee summary
The Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Care requires completion of 72 points (6 non-standard postgraduate units).
Fees for 2027 are $1,794 per unit or $10,764 for the full course.
Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.